Block-machine



1. VOGT.

BLOCK MACHNE.

APPLlcATloN FILED APR.19.1920.

.Patented May 3L 11921,

6 SHEETS-SHEET Z- n@ TA Enf..

am MJ J. VOGT.

BLOCK MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED APR. I9. 1920.

Patented May 3L M921 6 SHEES-SHEET 3.v

WA @QQ IMWIMNW J. VOGT.

BLOCK MACHINE.

APPLICATION. FILED APR-|91 1920. 1937997330 6 SHEEIS-SHEET 4.

J Voy?.

J. VOGT.

BLQCK MACHINL APPLICATION FILED APR. 1,9, 1920. Maly 319 J. VOGT.

BLOCK MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 19, 1920.

Patented May 3L 192K.

6 SHEETS-SHEET S.

JOSEPH VOGT, 02? RICHMOND, MlNNESOTl-l.

BLOCK-MACHENE.

invades. Y Y

' Application led April 19,

To all w izo/m` t may concern:

Be it known that l, Josiirri Voer, a citizen et the United tates, residing at Richmond7 in the county ot Stearns and State ot Minnesota. have invented certain new and useful improvements in Bloclr-ll/lachines, et which the following is a speciiication, reigerence being had to the accompanying drawings.

This invention relates to certain improvements in block machines and has relation more particularly to a machine ot this general character especially designed and adapted toiuse in connection with cement-ions or other plastic material, and an object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved machine ot-tliis general charactor embodying tamps arranged in op. posed` relation and adapted to be operated in unison to impose the requisite pressure upon the material within the mold box.

lt is also an object of the invention to provide a machine of this general character including a mold or box provided with a movable'wall andwherein the various op* crations ot the machine are accomplished automatically when said movable wallr is in its closed or applied position.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved device ot this general character embodying relatively movable tamps working within a mold or box1 together with driven means tor operating said tamps and wherein the mold or bei: is provided with a removable wal or top which, when moved into open position, causes the driven means to become inoperative and whicln when in closed or applied position, permits 'the driven means to become operative.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved machine et this general character including a mold or box in which is positioned a movable pallet together with means to automatically eject the pallet and the article thereon trom within the mold or box after the molding` operation is completed.

Je. still further object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved machine et this general character including a mold or box embodying a movable top and side wall, together with means for exerting the requisite pressure upon the material within the mold or box and which means is under conc *u .fr f.. La s i specification oi Lecteis Eatent. L qtm 1hr-5d Biggy 31, l'lQiZlL 1920. Serial No. 375,051.

trol of the movable top and wherein means are provided for locking the movable too and side wall of the mold or box in Werliing relation during a molding` operation.

rllhe invention also has for an object a novel and improved machine ot this oeneral character wherein the various opi-eration-s necessary for the production et the block or other article after the material. has been applied within the mold or box and said mold closed, are performed in an automatic manner from a driven element together with means tor rendering the driven element inoperative and thereby stopping thenniachine at the will ot the operator as unroreseen requirements ol' practice may necessitate.

Itis also an object ot the invention to provide a novel and improved machine ot this general character ot a portable type so that the saine can be readily and conveniently transported desired and particularlyin an event when it is preferred to produce the blocks, or the like, close to the buildingoperation.

rEhe invention consists in the details of construction and in the combination and arrangement of the several parts ot my iinproved machine whereby certain important advantages are attained and the device rendered simpler, less expensive and otherwise more convenient and advantageous for use. will be hereinafter more tullv set forth;

The novel tea-tures ot my invention will hereinafter be definitely claimed.

order that my invention may be the better understood, l will now i-r'oceed to describe the same with referenceto the afi'- companying drawings, wherein:

Figure l is a view in side elevation of a machine constructed in accordance with an embodiment. et my invention and with portions brolren away for clarity disclosure:

Fig. 2 is a view in top plan, with certain ot the parts omitted, ot the structure as illustrated in Fig. l;

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view taken through the machine as herein disclosed and at substantially the transverse center thereot;`

Fig. l is an enlarged fragmentary view partly in elevation and partly in section, illustrating in detail the driving` means for the machine;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary view partly in section and partly in top plan of the structure illustrated in Fig. 4 with the worm or spiral gear omitted;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary view partly in side elevation and partly in section illustrating in detail certain of the structure concomitant to the mold or box for holding the top wall or cover and the movable side wall thereof in closed or working position and for moving the'same into open or inoperative position;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary view partly in elevation and partly in section. illustrating in detail one of the tamps herein employed and operating within the mold or box;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary view partly in section and partly in elevation, illustrating in detail a portion of the structure for controlling the operative connection between the driven and driving elements for operating the machine;

F ig.- 9 is a view similar to Fig. 8 but showing certain of the parts in a second position;

Fig. 10 is a view in perspective of a pawl or dog coacting with the ejector mechanism detached; and Fig. 11 is a view similar to Fig. 3 but showing certain of the parts in a second position and several of said parts indicated by dotted lines.

As disclosed in the accompanying drawings, a plurality of channel beams 1, preferably four in number, are arranged in parallelism and are suitably connected adjacent their opposite ends by the transverse members or strips 2 and 3. By this means, a unitary structure is provided whichv constitutes the body of my improved machine and in order that this body may be readily transported in accordance with the requirements of practice, I lind it of advantage to provide at points adjacent to the opposite ends of such body the wheels 4. By having the body portable, the same may be readily taken from one operation to another when it is desired to produce the blocks at the work. Also interposed between each pair of outer beams 1 are the bracing or reinforcing rods 5.

Rotatably supported by certain of the beams 1 inwardly of but in close proximity to the transverse member or strip 3 is a shaft 6 and the portion of said shaft 6 bctween the central beams 1 is provided with the crank 7. Fixed to the shaft G between a. pair of adjacent side beams 1 is a worin or Vspiral gear 8 in mesh with a worm 9 carried by the longitudinally disposed shaft 10. This shaft 10 is rotatably supported by the bearings 11 carried by the plate 12 bridging the space between said sideY beams 1 and suitably anchored thereto. The shaft 10 extends beyond the adjacent end of the body and underlies a transversely disposed angle beam 14, having one of its flanges disposed downwardly. An end portion of the beam 14 is pivotally engaged, as at 15, with an outstanding arm 16 carried by the adjacent end portion of the side beam l remote from the shaft 10 whereby the beam 14 has swinging movement in substantially a horizontal path. The opposite end portion of the beam 14 is operatively engaged,

'as at 17, with the rear portion of a forwardly directed pitman 18. The opposite or forward end portion of the pitman 18 of an elongated rod 24, extending longitu- Y dinally of the machine and-in a direction forwardly thereof or in a direction away from the shaft 6. The rod 24 is disposed through a guide member 25 carried by the adjacent side beam 1 and terminates `in aV hand grasp 26. By imparting pull upon the rod 24, the beam 14 will be caused to swing in a direction away from the body for a purpose which. will hereinafter be specifically mentioned and which operation is adapted to be performed in the event of an emergency and which operation is manually effected at the will of the operator.

27 denotes a clutch member interposed between the beam 14 and adjacent end of the body and keyed to the shaft 10 for -rotation therewith but capable, of 'sliding movement longitudinally of said shaft. The clutch member 27 includes a hub 28 which is operatively engaged with a depending flange of the beam 14 so that as theV beam 14 is swung, said member will be caused to move along ythe shaft with said beam 14 and in the same direction. lVhile this operative connection between the depending flange ofthe beam 14 and the hub 28 may be effected in any desired manner, it is preferred that the depending flange of the beam 14 be provided with a slot 29 of requisite dimensions with the portion Vof said de-v pending flange defining said slot' extending within an annular groove 30 produced-in the periphery of the outer end portion of adapted to be suitably coupled with any desired source of power, preferably a traction engine or other portable power generating unit.

rlhe forward end portion or the body of the machine or that end portion remote trom the shait 6 Vhas extending outwardly from the beams l the elongated arms with the side arms 34 of a length greater "wn the intermediate arms. Extending up ardly trom the inner end portions o the arms 34 and anchored thereto in any desired. manner is the rigid or stationary side plate lor the mold or box. 36 denotes the second side plate for the mold or box and which plate has secured at its opposite end portions the vertically disposed swinging arms 37. The central portion of each or' the arms 37 is inwardly odset, as at 33,and pivotally engaged, as at 39, with an adjacent arm 34 so that when pull is imposed upon the lower end portion orn the arm 3'?, the plate 36 will be caused to swing outwardly and downwardly into substantially a horizontal position and the odset portion 33 et each of said arms 37 assures said plate 36 when in its lowered position to be arranged below the upper edges et the arms 34 so that no obstruction will be given to the outer or ejecting movement ot the pallet l). rlhe pallet P snugly tits between the plates 35 and 36 when the box or mold is in assembled relation and Said pallet is of a length to e::- tend beyond the side arms 34. The upper longitudinal marginal portions of the plate 35 and 36 are beveled so that when the sold or box is ,being filled, the collection thereon of material is prevented. The mold or bon also includes a cover or top C which, when in working position, rests upon the upper or beveled edges of the plates 35 and 36. rlhe cover or top C is also substantiallf the same length as said plates 35 and 36. The cover or top C is suitably secured to the inner edges of the transversely disposed irons or members 40 and in predetermined spaced relation along the top or cover C with the end irons or members 40 ot a length greater than the length of the intermediate irons 40. rllhe inner end portions of the irons or members 40 are continued by the downwardly directed extensions or arms 4l on a predetermined angle and are hingedly connected, as at 42, with the upstanding lugs 43 carried by the inner portions ot the arms 34. Each of the arms 4l is also provided with the strengthening or bracing arms 44 adapted to contact with the outer :tace of the stationary or rigid plate 35 during a molding operation and whereby said plate 35 is further held to overcome the pressure created within the mold or box. The central extensions or arms4l are of a length greater than that oi" the -end extensions or 'arms 41 and said central arms of eXtensions 41 have their lower or free end portions connected by a transversely disposed rod 45. The pivoted connection 42 ol the arms 4l permits the cover or top C to have swinging movement in a vertical path and in a direction toward or from the conipleted mold or block and the outward morement of said cover or top "C is adapted to be automatically attained while the inward or closing movement is adapted to be performed manually, as will hereinafter be more fully explained.

rlhe end irons or members 40 are provided with depending lugs 45 which are adapted to coact with the outer longitudinal marginal portion of the plate 36 to locl the saine against outward movement when the cover or top C is in applied position. Said end members 40 also have their outer or tree end portions continued by the downwardly directed arms 47 substantially at right angles thereto and which, when the cover or top C is in closed position, terminate below and in close proximity to the side arms 34. The lower end portion of each oit the arms 47 has pivotally engaged therewith a latch 43 which engages beneath an outwardly directed lug 49, or the like, carried by the adjacent aan 34. By this means, the cover or top C is eil-'ectually loclred in working position. The latches 4S arA automatically disengaged from the lugs 49 in a manner which will hereinafter be more particularly referred to.

rlhe pallet l), hereinbeipore referred to, rests directly upon the arms 34 and is disposed transversely of the body structure and movable longitudinally or the pallet at opposite ends of the mold or bor: are the tamps T which, upon inward movement, operate to compress the material placed within the mold or box. Each of the tamps T rests upon a. pallet l) andcomprises` an upstanding plate 50 having its upper edge bev eled to prevent accumulation ol material thereon and oi a configuration to snugly engage within the assembled mold or box. The lower marginal portion of the plate 5() is detined by an outstanding plate 5l. which contacts and rides upon the upper Yface ot' the pallet P and the central portion 52 of said plate 5l is cut-away so that the material which may be collected upon said plate is materially reduced with the resultant obstruction or hindrance which would otherwise result from such accumulated material substantially eliminated,

The central portion of the plate of' each of the tamps T is provided with an outstanding arm 53 and pivotally engaged with the outer endportion of said arm 53 is a rearwardly disposed pitman A, herein dis.

closed as eomprisingtwo relatively spaced elongated members 54 and arranged in parallelism and substantially co-eXtensive in ltilinear length. Disposed between said members 54, at substantially the longitudinal center of each of the pitmen A, is an extended end portion of the transversely disposed member 2 and with which said members 54 of the pitman A are pivotally engaged, as at 55, whereby said pitman A is mounted for swinging movement in substantially ahori- Zontal path. lExtending between the inner or rear end portion of the members 54 of each of the pitmen lA is an end portion of an inwardly directed arm 56 and pivotally engaged therewith, as at 57. The inner end portions of the arms 56 are pivotally engaged with a vertically disposed pin 58 extending through Vthe central portion of a slide 59. The slide 59 is supported for recmovement between the central beams l. The i'ear portion of the slide 59 is provided with an upstanding lug or block 60 with which is pivotally engaged an end portion ofpa pitman 61, having its opposite end portion operatively engaged with the crank 7 hereinbefore referred to, so that as the shaft 6 rotates, the requisite rectilinear movement will be imparted to the slide 59. As the slide 59 moves forwardly, the tamps T will be forced inwardly of the mold or box to compress the material placed therein and vice versa. The material placed within v*the mold or box B is preferably semi-plastic and particularly cementitious. The outer end portion of the plate 51 of cach of the tamps T is provided with an inwardly directed elongated arm 62 coplanar therewith and which has its outer or Vfree end portion pivotally engaged with a link 63 extending inwardly on a predetermined incline and pivotally engaged with an outstanding lug 64 carriedby the adjacent side beam l. Each of the links 63, at a desiredv distance intermediateits ends, is'provided with an upstanding lug 65 through which is loosely directed an end portion of a rod 66. The opposite end portion of the rod 66 is pivotally Vengaged with an outstanding lug 67 carried by the adjacent side beam 1 at a point in advance of the'lug 64 but in relatively close proximity thereto. Encircling the rod 66 and interposed between the lugs 65 and 67 is a coil spring 68 which operates to constantly swing the link 63 rearwardly, resulting in the inner edge of the plate 50 of the tamp having close contact with the rigid or stationary vplate 35 of the box or mold yet permitting the tamp to have dcsired rectilinear movement within the mold or box.

The lower end portion of the pin 58 is provided with a head 69 with which is pivotally engaged an end portion of a forwardly disposed and downwardly inclined bar 70. The bar 70, at a predetermined point between its ends, is provided with a notch 71 having its inner end a abrupt to afford a tion of the bar 70 passes freely through a slotted guideway 72 carried by and depending from the side plate 36.`

However, before the coveror top C vcan swing upwardly into open position, it is necessary that the Vlatches 48 be moved into a. releasing position. Each of the latches 48 is providerL with a tail 73 with which is pivotally engaged the lower end Vportion of an uos'tandino' bar 74. The un )er end )or-l l. e; i

tion of the bar 74 is pivotally engaged, as at 75, with the lower end portion or a 'vertically disposed bar 76. VThe bar 76 substan tially midway its lengthv is pivotally engaged, as at 77, with the outer end portion of a side or end iron or member 40. The upper end portion of the bar 76 is continued by a rearwardly directed extension or arm 78 substantially at right angles thereto. Pivotally engagedl with the free end portions of the extensions or arms 78 are the end portions of the rods 79, said end portions of the rods 79'being directly engaged with a bar 8O connecting the outer or free end portions of the extensions or arms 78. The rods 79 are disposed inwardly and upwardly in convergence and the converging end portions thereof are continued by the rearwardly and upwardly directed rod 81. Thereai' or free end portion of the rod 81 is freely disposed through a sleeve 82, and pivarm 84 is provided with a depending trigger 88 positioned inthe path of travel of the upstanding trip 89'carried by the pitman 61.V

The crank 7 rotates upwardly and forwardly and at a predetermined point before the pitmaii reaches the limit of its forward movement, the trip 89 engages the trigger 88 and thereby swings the arm'84 rearwardly, resulting in an upward pull upon the extensions or arms 78 and a corresponding pull upon the bars 74 whereby the latches 48 are swung into a releasing or inoperative position. The trip 69 operates to release the latches 48 just before the bars 70 operate to throw the cover or top (l into its raised or open position. rl`he latches 43 are released and the cover or top C raised or elevated upon tl`e forward stroke of the pitman 6i and fover or top C is thrown back beyond the center so that can only be re- "1 l manually. lWhen the pitman moves rcarvmrdly.,the bar 70 will freely ride over the rod 45 and just before the pitman 61 reaches the limit of its return movement, 'the clutch member 27 is disengaged from the pulley 33 t rough the instrumentality of the actuator bar 90. rlhe forward end portion of the bar 90 is pivotally engaged, as at 91, tc an arm 92 depending from the end portion of the pitman 61 operatively engaged with the crank 7 and the rear or outer end portion of the bar 90 is provided with a shoulc er 93 which assumes a position by gravity to contact with a block 94 mounted upon a table 95 suitably secured to the upper face of the beam 14. By this means, it will be perceived that as the acniator bar 90 moves rearwardly, the contact of the shoulder 93 with the block 94 will swing the beam 14 in a direction away from the body of the machine and thereby move the clutch member 27 along the shaft 10 out of operative engagement with the pulley 33 and will hold said clutch member 27 in such position until the actuator' bar 90 is disengaged from the beam 14. The ripper marginal portion of the har 90 is continued by an elongated arm or extension 96 co-planar therewith and which rides within a guide groove or slot 97 formed in the upper face of the block 94. The arm or extension 96 is of a. length to rest upon the blocli 94 upon the continued stroke of the pitman 61 after the cranlr 7 has passed a vertical center above the shaft and whereby the shoulder 93 engages the block just before the cranlr 7 reaches substantially ailiorizontal center and is rearwardly directed.

Rotatably supported by the table 95 is a shaft 93 extending transversely of the extension or arm 96 and underlying the same. Fixed to the shaft 98 directly below the extension or arm 96 is a wing 99 and which wing, when raised, contacts with the extension or arm 96 and operates to raise the actuator bar 90 sufficiently to disengage the shoulder 93 from the block 94 whereupon the spring 32 automatically returns the clutch 27 into working engagement with the pulley 33 and the machine performs its function. The wing or plate 99 operates to elevate the actuator bar 90 when the cover or top C is returned to closed position and which operation is accomplished by the rod 100 extending longitudinally of the machine and havingone end portion freely engaged with the bar and having its opposite end portion freely disposed through the sleeve 101 suitably supported substantially midway its length, at 102, with the upper or free end portion of an npstand ing and forwardly inclined rock arm 103 carried by an end portion of a shaft 93. As the cover or top C automatically raised, the free end portion of the rod 100 freely slides through the sleeve 101 until engaged by the stop 104 carried by the rod 100 at a predetermined point inwardly of the sleeve 101. This results in the roel; arm 103 being moved rearwardly with a resultant lowering of the wing or plate 99 so that the actuator rod 90 drops into a position whereby the shoulder 93 thereof will engage the block 94 to swing the beam 14 outwardly. When the cover or top C is in its raised or open position, the material to be compressed is placed within the mold or box upon the applied pallet P and the cover or top C manually returned to closed position. Upon this movement of the cover or top C, the rod 100 will move forwardly and just before said cover or top C assumes its complete closed position, a stop 105 carried by the rod 100 outwardly of the sleeve 101 will contact with said sleeve and thereby raise or elevate the wing or plate 99, resulting in the shoulder' 93 of the actin ator bar 90 disengaging the beam 14 whereupon the clutch member 27 will automatically return into working engagement with the pulley 33. In order to limit the forward movement of the roclr arm 103, l find it of advantage to provide a stop 106 secured to the cross member or strip 3. l also find it of advantage to have each of the stops 104 and 105 adjustable lengthwise of the rod 100 so that said stops may be properly positioned on the rod 100 as the necessities of practice may require.

When the cover or top C and the side plate 36 are moved into their open position, it is of importance to provide means for ejecting the pallet l? and the article molded thereon and, as herein embodied, the means for ejecting the pallet also comprises the means for swingingthe side plate 36 into open position.

rlhe lower end portion of each of the arms 37 has pivotally engaged therewith an end portion of an inwardly disposed lever 197 which is also pivotally engaged at a material point inwardly of its opposite end with an end portion of a lever 106. he lever 108 is also pivotally engaged with the adjacent arm 34. rlhe pivotal connection 109 affords a brake joint between the levers 107 and 103 and said levers are held against movement in one direction beyond center by the coacting pin and notch, as indicated at 110, carried by said levers 107 and 108.

outer end portion with an upstanding cam movement by the bearings 113 carried by the adjacent side beam 1.

As the slides 112 move forwardly, the same cause the-levers 108 to swing downwardly pulling the levers 107 inwardly whereupon the plate 36 is movedV into-an Lopen or lowered position. 1n order to facilitate this operation, 1 find it of advantage to interpose between the'lower end portion of each of the arms 37 and the adjacent side beam 1, at a point inwardly of the arm 37, a retractile coil spring 114. The springs 114: are insufiicient to swing the plate 36 but materially reduce the strain to be imposed by the slides 112.

Each of the slides 112 has coacting therewith a retractile member or spring 115 which serves to normally maintain the same when at the limit of its movement in a direction away from the cam 111 and which movement is determined by the upstanding shoulder 116 carried by the slide 112. The upper face or edge of the shoulder isr inclined downwardly and forwardly and is continued within a notch 117 produced in the upper marginal portion of the slide 112 and which notch provides a stop or shoulder 118. A gravity pawl 119 is adapted to engage the stop or shoulder 118 to move the slide 112 forwardly. 1n the present embodiment of my invention, the outer end portion of the pawl 119 is provided with a loop 120 into which extends an end portion of a rock lever 121. The lever 121 is pivotally engaged with the outer end of the pawl 119 and is supported, as at 122, midway its length for rocking movement in a vertical direction. The cover ortop C is provided with the longitudinally spaced bearings 123 which rotatably support a shaft 124;. The shaft 12-1, at its opposite ends, is provided with the rearwardly directed arms 125 which are adjustably connected, as at 125, with the forward end portions of the levers 121. .es the cover or top C is raised or moved forwardly, the arms 125 will cause the lower portions of the levers 121 to swing downwardly and forwardly and the pawl or dog 119 carried by each of saidlevers 121 will engageV the stop or shoulder 118 and move the slide 112 forwardly. The forward movement of the slide 112 first effects an opening of the side plate 36 and the continued movement of the slide causes the same to contact with an extended end portion of the pallet P and partially eject the same a distance sufficient to permit said pallet to be readily withdrawn by a workman or workmen. After the pallet P has been ejected a predetermined distance by the slides 112, each of the levers 121 will have swung sufficiently. to cause the shoulder 127 1 find it also of advantage t o engage with y the lower end portion of each of the arms 37 al retractile member or spring 128 secured to the adjacent arm 34 at a point in advance of said arm 37. The springer member 128 operates to prevent the plate 3G from being thrown downward into open position at too great a speed or with excessive force. 1n other words, the spring or member 128 serves to substantially balance the plate 36 when being moved into open or lowered position. Y

1 also find it of advantage to connect the upper end portions of the posts 87 by the rearwardly and upwardly inclined arch member 129 which serves as a stop to limit the rearward swinging movement of the arm 84. j

The outer end portions of the arms 37 are connected by the spacing or tie rod 130 whereby the structure is materially strengthened or reinforced.

From the foregoing description, it is thought to be obvious that a machine constructed in accordance with my invention is particularly well adapted for use by reasonof the convenience and facility with which it may be assembled and operated, and it will also be obvious that my invention is susceptible of some change and modification without departing from the principles and spirit thereof, and'for this reason I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to theV precise arrangement and formation of the several parts herein shown in carrying out my invention in practice except as hereinafter claimed.

1. A block press comprising, in combination, a mold box including a removable top, opposed tamps operating within the box, means for substantially reciprocating` said tamps, automatic meansl operated by said Vfirst named means for moving the top into open position, and means operating upon opening movement of the top to render inperative the ieans for moving theV tamps.

2. A block press comprising, in combina.- tion, arnold box including a removable top, opposed tampsroperating within thebox, .means for substantially reciprocating said tamps, automatic means operated by said first named means for moving' the top into open position, and means' operating upon opening movement of the top to render inoperative the means for moving the tamps, the means for moving the tamps becoming izo isc

eative when tbe top is returned to closed position.

3. il block press comprising, in combination, a mold boi: embodying a movable Wall, a tamp Working` within tliemold box, means operated by said irst named means for operatin tbe tamp, auton'iatic means movii' c the movable Wall into open position Y er tbe lias completed its pressure stroke, and means under control of t ie movable Wall to render the operating means for 'tbe ii-amp inoperative ivlien said movable wall bas moved to a predetermined extent into open position.

e. A. block press comprising, in combination, a mold box, a tamping means Working tlierein, means for operatinrgY tlie tamping means operated by said first named means, automatic means for rendering inoperative the operating means 'for the tainping means after said tainping means bas completed con'lpression action and tbe operating means therefor is rendered inoperative.

5. A block press comprising, in combination,l a mold boor including` a movable top and a movable side Wall, means common to tbe moi-.fable top and movable side Wall for locking trie same in Working; relation, tampinlay` means Working Within the bon, means for operating the tamping means, and meclianisin operable by tbe last named means for releasing` the movable top and movable side ivall and moving' tbe same into open pesition after the tampingg` means bas completed compression action Within the bon.

6. A block press comprising', in combination, a mold box including a movable top and a movable iside iva-ll, means common to the movable top and movable side Wall for locling' tbe same in Working; relation, tamping meansY working v-.fitliin tl e bon, means for operating tiie tamping means, mechanism operable by Atlie last named means Yor releasing' tbe movable top and movable side Wall and moving' tbe same into open position after tbe tamping means lias completed compression action within tbe box, and ineens ander control oie tbe movable top for rendering tbeoperating means for tbe tamping' means inoperative when .wid movable top lias reached a predetermined open position.

T. A block press comprising, in combination, a mold boi: including;v a movable top and a. movable side wall, means common to the movable top and movable side walls for locking' the same in working` relation, tampingf means Working Within tlie bois, means tor operating the ramping means, mechanism operable by tbe last named means for releasing the movable top and movable side .vall and moving tbe same into open position after the ramping means bas completed compression action Within the box, means under control of the movable top for rendering tlie operating` means for the tamping means inoperative when said movable top bas reached a predetermined open on, and an ejcetor mechanism autoally oprating during tlie period beti con tlzo con il tion orn the compression aciiping means and .vlien tbe tion ot tbe ta operatingy means for said ampingiv means becomes inoperative.

8. it block press comprising. in combination, a mold r1, a tamp liavi g rectilinear movement within tbe mold box and provided Wit-li a part extending' exteriorly tliereoiii, an extending laterally from said part and supported for sivinfiing movem nt in the saine general direction as tbe direction of travel oi tbe tamp and means operating independent il tlie arm 'lor reciprocating the tramp.

9. fr block )ross comprising, in combination, a mold bon, a tamp liavivig' rectilinear movement n'itliin tlie mold bei; and provided with a part extending eiterioirly tliereoi, an arm extending laterally from said part, a pivotally supported link in pivetal engagement with the iree end portion oi' tbe arm, means for constantly urging; said link in one direction and means operating indepemlently7 of the arm 'for reciprocating the tainp.

l0. A block press comprising, in combination, a mold bon, opposed tamps having reciprocatory movement Within the mold box, a rock arm operatively engaged With eacli ot lille tamps, a slide, means for reciprocating' tlie slide, an operative connection between tlie slide and each of tbe rock arms for movingl tbe rock arms in unison but in reverse directions and means operatively eneao'el Witli eacli of the tam )s for urOfinO t i C be same m one direction angular to its d1- rection of reciprocation to cause said tamp o have close Contact with a Wall of the mold box at all times during,r its reciprocatory movement.

il. .il block press comprising, in combination, a mold box includingV a movable side Wall, tamping means Working,` Within the boni, means for operating,v said tamging means, and automatic means for movingl said movable Wall into open position, said last named means also serving as ejector means after said movable Wall has been moved to a predetermined extent into open position.

12. A block press comprising, in combination, a mold box includinga movable Will, tamping means Working therein, a reciprocatory member lor opersrting tbe tamping` means, and automatic means operable 'from the reciprocatorv member for moving the movable wall oi the box into open position.

13. A bloclr press comprising, in combiwall, tamping means working therein, a reciprocatory member for operating the tamping moans, automatic means operable from the reciprocatory member for moving the movable wall of the box into open position, means for reciprocating said reciprocatory member, and automatic means to renderV said last named means inoperative when the movable wall has been moved to a determined point in open position.

15. -A block press comprising, in combination, a mold box including a movable VVwall, tamping means working therein, a reciprocatory member for operating the tamping means, automatic means operable from the reciprocatory member for moving the movable wall of the box into open position, means for reciprocating said reciprocatory member, and automatic means to render said last named means inoperative when the movable wall has been moved to a determined point in open position, said operating means becoming operative when the movable wall is returned to closed position.

16. A block press comprising, in combination, a mold box including a movable wall, tamping means working therein, a reciprocatory member for operating the tamping means, automatic means operable from the reciprocatory member for moving the movable wall of the box into open position, an ejector mechanism, and means for operating said ejector mechanism from the movable wall when the movable wall moves into open position.

17. A block press comprisng, in combination, a mold box, a tamping means Working therein, means for operating said tamping means, automatic means for rendering said operating means inoperative at substantially the completion of a molding operation, and manual means operating independently of the automatic means to render said operating means inactive.

18. A block press comprising, in combination, a mold box, a tamp having rectilinear movement within the mold box, means for reciprocating the tamp, Vand means for constantly urging the tamp in one direction angular to its direction of reciprocation to cause said tamp to haveclose contact at all times with a wall of the mold box.

19. A block press comprising, in combi-l nation, a mold box including a movable top, tamping means working within the box, means for operating said tamping means, and automatic means operated by said second named means for moving the top into open position and beyond a vertical center.

20. A bloclr press comprising, in combination, a mold box including a movable top and a movable side wall, means common to the movable top and movable side wall for locking the same in working relation, tamping means working within the box, and automatically operating mechanism for releasing the movable top and movable side wall and moving the same into open position fter the tamping means has completed compression action within the box.

21. A block press comprising, in combination, a mold box embodying a movable wall, tamping meansworlring within the mold box, means for operating the tamping means including a shaft, coacting clutch members mounted upon the shaft, one of said members being loose on the shaft and the other having movement in a direction lengthwise of the shaft, said first named member constituting a. driving element for the shaft, and means automatically operating when the tamping means is moved into Vnon-compressing position to separate the clutch members. y

22. A block press comprising, in combination, a mold box embodying` a movable wall, tamping means working within the mold box, means for operating the tamping means including a shaft, coacting clutch members mounted upon the shaft, one of said members being loose on the shaft and the other having movement in a direction lengthwise of the shaft, said first named member constituting a driving element for the shaft, and means automatically operating when the tamping means is moved into non-compressing position to separate the clutch members, said last named means being under control of the movable wall.

23. A block press comprising, in combination, a. mold box embodying a movable wall. tamping means working within the mold box, means for operating the tamping means including a shaft, coacting clutch members mounted upon the shaft, one of said members being loose on the shaft and the other having movement in a direction lengthwise of the shaft, said first named member constituting a driving element for the shaft,'means automatically operating when the tamping means is moved into non-compressing position to separate the clutch members, and means for normally maintaining the clutch members in working engagement, said last named means functioning when the movable wall is in closed position.

2A. A block press comprising, in combination, a mold box, tamping means working therein, a reciprocating member for operatinfr the tamping means, a shaft operatively engaged with the reciprocating member for operating the same, a driving means coacting with the shaft and embodying relatively movable clutch members operating to rotate the shaft when said members are in working engagement, and means operating upon movement of the reciprocating member in one direction to disengage the clutch members.

25. A block press comprising, in combination', a mold box, tamping means working therein, a reciprocating member for operating the tamping means, a shaft operatively engaged with the reciprocating member for opera-ting the same, a driving means coacting with the shaft and embodying relatively movable clutch members operating to rotate the shaft when said members are in working engagement, means operating upon movement of the reciprocating member in one direction to disengage the clutch members, said mold box including a movable wall, and means operated from the movable Wall when moved into closed position for returning the clutch members into working engagement.

26. A block press comprising, in com-bination, a supporting frame, a mold box mounted thereon and including a movable wall, a latch carried by the movable wall, a part carried by the vframe with which the latch coacts for holding the movable Wall in closed position, a tamping means, a reciprocating member for operating the tamping means, means operable upon movement of the reciprocating member inone direction for releasing the latch, and automatic means operating to move said Wall into open position after the latch is released.

27. A block press comprising, in combination, a supporting structure, a mold box mounted thereon and including a movable wall, an arm secured to said wall and pivotally engaged with the structure whereby said wall has swinging movementl into open or closed position, a tamping means working within the box, a reciprocating member for operating said tamping means, and a bar moving with the reciprocating member and engaging the arm of the movable wall after the reciprocating member has had predeter mined movement in one direction for swing ing said wall into open position.

2S. A block press comprising, in combina tion, a mold box including two movable walls, tamping means working therein, automatic means for moving one of the walls into open position, and means operable from said wall, when moving into open position, to move the second wall into open position.

29. A block press comprising, in combination, a mold box including two movable walls, tamping means working therein, automatic means for Imoving one of the walls into open position, and means operable from said wall, when moving into open position, to move the second wall into open position, said last named means also serving as ejector means after said second movable wall has been moved to a predetermined extent into open position.

30. A block press comprising, in combination, a mold box including two movable walls, tamping means working therein, automatic means for moving one of the walls into open position, means operable from said wall, when moving into open position, to move the second wall into open position, and automatic means for returning the second movable wall into closed position.

In testimony whereof I hereunto ah'ix my signature.

JOSEPH VOGT. 

